The Villa Times - 16/07/2010

Wadey: Shocking stuff from the worldwide Webb. I mean Howard not Harry. Harry may not have been quite the full Elvis but he sure had his moments. Howard on the other hand, haunts the dread dreams of the dismally disappointed and frustrated football fans, across the globe. Full column: Something For The Weekend (291)

So here we go, it was the official launch of the kits today and I must say Villa did a great job at staging a really enjoyable event. I was also told by the chief of marketing what a great job and great assistance the ICC were, always nice to know they support the club in such a way. So... Villa Kit Launch Event - In Pictures!!!

Fieldy: Nathan Delfouneso has followed the lead of Gabby Agbonlahor last summer, and used his time off wisely...to train. We all saw the benefit of Gabby's off season work last pre season as he came back looking like a mini Hulk and not the skinny whippet we'd seen the season before, and although Delfouneso hasn't hit the weights in that fashion he was determined to come back as strong, and as fit as he possibly could to improve his chances of becoming a first team regular. Full article: Delfouneso Follows In Gabby's Footsteps

Fieldy: Nathan Delfouneso is determined to help the England U-19's go one stage further in the European Championships after being losing finalists last year. Speaking on the Official Site Delfouneso admitted he was both proud and disappointed at England's last European campaign, as he finished as the tournament's top scorer but England finished as runners up to the hosts Ukraine. England find themselves in the final 8 of the competition to be held in France this year, and along with team mate Nathan Baker, Delboy is hoping to play a staring role in the squad again. Full article: Delfouneso Targeting More Euro Success

Sensible decision from Emile Heskey as he hangs up his international boots. Wonder if he can persuade a few more to? Full details: Heskey Hangs Up His Boots

Fieldy: Brad Friedel has said that all the talk of the possible departure of James Milner will not hamper the club's pre season build up. Speaking to press at today's kit launch the elder statesman of the Villa squad admitted it would be disappointing to see Milly go, but that simply in football players move and replacements have to be of the same quality or better, it's just the nature of the game and it's not something that team mates get wrapped up in. Full article: Friedel Unconcerned With Milner Talk

Glensider: While enjoying sunnier, more relaxing climes over the past three and a half weeks, this individual got to thinking. You know, I don`t know how we do it. Be a Villa fan (for fan read fanatic) that is, although I guess in truth the question could be asked of supporters of any other football club out there, but as my loyalty and interest rests solely at Birmingham B6, I'll direct this observation, my fellow Vital Villans, solely in your esteemed direction. Full article: The Villa Fanatic

Our last poll, suggested by AVFC94, asked: Which ONE would you LEAST like to lose? Obviously the position has changed slightly as many believe a James Milner exit is done and dusted already... might not be though, not sure any club will pay what we want so that might be great for us!? Anyway the results..... Click Here

Villa's title winning Reserves will be gunning for a fourth consecutive league title this season, and open their campaign against Manchester City. The away fixture against City takes place on August 31 and no doubt the lads will be well up for it after the disappointment of losing last years league play off final. Villa's Reserve Go For Fourth Consecutive Title

Fieldy: Martin O'Neill had admittedly that although it's probably likely Milly will be leaving for pastures new, he still does retain some hope. Speaking to Sky Sports News a reporter asked him the direct question of whether he was hopeful of keeping Milner at the club for next season, and O'Neill answered with: 'Well, I don't know about that,' before explaining that these days 'if' a player wants to leave then there's very little the club can do about it and with the money flowing around these days events like this are happening more and more and it is becoming more difficult to plan for success because you never quite know when somebody will be poached, tempted or tapped...although to be fair those are my words, not O'Neill's. Full article: O'Neill Not Resigned To Losing Milner

Thought for the day: I'm pleased to say that one of my many attributes is my amazing memory. I have an absolutely fantastic memory. In fact, I can't remember the last time I forgot something.